Hawaii Discovery

Explore tropical Hawaii travelling from Honolulu to Kona, and on to Maui.

Hawaii is a tropical paradise and this island-hopping tour takes in the best that the area has to offer. Kick back on the beach at Honolulu and soak up the sun, and then jet over to Kauai and exploring the Na Pali Coast, the Wailua River and Waimea Canyon. This island tour takes in Kailua-Kona where you can swim in Kua Bay or trek up Mauna Kea, and on The Big Island you can check out Kilauea, an active volcano, and walk around the largest in the world, Mauna Loa. Enjoy some leisure time on the beach in Maui and relax into the truly Hawaiian way of life with a barbecue on the beach.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just €50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a €50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just €50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a €50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

GBP50/EUR50/CHF50/ZAR1250 deposit offer must be redeemed between 1 – 31 August 2018 and can be used on any 2019 trip.
Offer excludes Christmas departures from 15 December – 31 December 2019.
The deposit can be used towards any Intrepid small group adventure, Intrepid short breaks and Dragoman trips with the below exclusions: Polar trips – includes all itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica; Private groups; Eat your way around the world trip; Gorilla treks where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek to see the Gorillas. Excluded trips are: YDOU, YXOG, YXOCC, YXOIC, YXOEC, YXOGC, YXOFC, UXODC, YGAG, YGAR; Inca Trail trips where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek. Excluded trips are: GGSQ, GGTA, GGSEC, GGTBC, GGSA, GGSD, GGSYC, GGSUC, GGKP, GGTWC, GGFB, GGKY, GGHT, GGCLC, GGHC, GDOP, GDOL, GDOKC, GDOMC, GDOO, GDOB, GDOBC, GDOTC, GDODC, GDOEC, GGBL, GGHC-O; Patagonia trips including the W-Walk. Excluded trips are: GDOD, GDOE, GDOI, GDOJ. Normal deposits apply to these trips.
Balance is payable within 56 days of departure except for Intrepid Adventure Cruising departures which are payable within 90 days of departure.
Full name of passengers must be provided at time of booking. Passengers are not able to hold multiple departures for overlapping dates.
Offer applies to land element of tour only and cannot be redeemed against international flights.
The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the offer be applied to existing bookings or used in conjunction with another offer or discount.
Deposit amount is payable per person.
If the traveller wishes to change dates or tours, they will be required to pay the full GBP200/EUR275/CHF300/ZAR4000 deposit towards the new trip. This is applicable even inside the promotional period.
Prices, itineraries and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Standard booking conditions apply as per Intrepid website, www.intrepidtravel.com.

Why you'll love this trip

The structure of this trip allows you to see the highlights of the contrasting Hawaiian islands while also enjoying free time to do your own thing. With a fairly flexible itinerary, you'll really be able to 'hang loose' (this is Hawaii, after all)

Enjoy a tropical sunset and views along Waikiki's shoreline in a boat with your fellow travellers

Explore the diverse landscapes of the Kauai, Hawaii's 'Garden Isle'. From tropical beaches to powerful waterfalls, lush rainforest and narrow valleys, there's a piece of this island that will appeal to everyone

It's no coincidence that Maui is often voted one of the world's best islands to visit. Waking early to see the sunrise from the top of Haleakala is an unforgettable experience

A visit to Hawaii isn't complete without a stay on the 'Big Island'. The world's most active volcano, black sand beaches and stunning national park make this island the most distinctive of the whole archipelago

Is this trip right for you?

As there are lots of flights during this trip, please be prepared for long security queues at the airport and perhaps the occasional delay. The good news is that you'll have the company of your fellow travellers to keep you entertained.

Honolulu isn't the picture-perfect Hawaiian location that many people expect. The city is full of high-rise buildings and is often packed with tourists. That's not to say it isn't a great place to explore, because it is. It's just that you'll find deserted beaches lined with palm trees elsewhere, like on the islands of Kauai and Maui.

Hawaii can be really expensive. Expect to pay more than you would on mainland USA for a lot of things. It might be a good idea to do some research about places to eat, for example, before you arrive.

While our leaders are knowledgeable about Hawaii and we try to ensure that they have experience on the actual islands, it's possible that your leader may be new to the region.

Aloha. Welcome to Hawaii and the USA. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. Following the meeting, join the group and sail out to sea to watch the sunset.

If you arrive early into Honolulu, perhaps take some surf lessons, go snorkelling at Hanauma Bay or visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre or Dole Plantation. Another option is the Pearl Harbor Museum and Memorial. There's also plenty to do in the neighbourhood of Waikiki, from soaking up the sun on its famous beach to checking out the bountiful restaurants and outlet malls along the esplanade.

As there's a great deal to do in Honolulu and on the island of Oahu, it's recommended you stay a few extra days at the start or end of the trip to see the sights. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Honolulu - Waikiki Sunset Sail

Optional Activities

Honolulu - Surf Lessons (per hour) - USD50

Honolulu - Pearl Harbor - Free

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Notes: If you wish to visit Pearl Harbor, you'll need to make your own arrangements. You should book your tickets in advance, as only 2,000 are available for purchase on the day and they often sell out quickly. You can make your reservations online at: www.recreation.gov

Today take the short flight from Honolulu to the 'garden isle' of Kauai, keeping an eye out for Kilohana Crater and Haupu Ridge below.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel before enjoying a visit to Waimea Canyon where you’ll enjoy tremendous views and hike beautiful nature trails. Depending on the time, perhaps rent a kayak and paddle down Wailua River to a picturesque waterfall, or relax on the scenic beach in Kapa’a.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Use your free day on Kauai getting to know the island. Walk along nature trails through Na Pali Coast State Park or visit the remote beach in Polihale State Park. In the evening, meet up with the rest of the group for a traditional Hawaiian party full of food and dancing - better known to the world as a luau.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kapa'a - Luau

Optional Activities

Kayak tour Kauai - USD145

Helicopter flights Kauai - USD240

Meals Included

At some point today, fly to Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii. Your day is free to explore. Kona, as it's known to the locals, is the main town on the west coast of Hawaii. With water sports and snorkelling on offer, as well as historic sites such as Hulihe'e Palace, there's plenty to keep you busy during the day. When the sun goes down, there's the option to swim with manta rays. If you'd prefer to keep dry, perhaps head out and see some of the nightlife of Kona.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today is a free day in Kona. Rent some snorkel gear and head to a nearby beach. If you've had enough of the island's array of beaches, why not check out the oldest Christian church in the archipelago - Mokuaikaua Church. You might also like to visit Hulihe'e Palace, which was the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. In the evening, perhaps grab some food at TJ'S BBQ by the Beach, which is known for its lip-smacking ribs.

Accommodation

Resort (1 night)

Optional Activities

Night Swim with Manta Rays - USD109

Kona - Snorkel hire - USD15

Meals Included

Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive past coffee farms and beautiful bays as we make our way to Volcanoes National Park. On the way, visit Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Site, where you can learn about the traditional Hawaiian belief system and the kapu (religious laws) that were the basis of that system. The location is idyllic, boasting palm-lined beaches, wooden carvings, a massive lava rock wall and reconstructed villages. The group will then head to the town of Volcano, where you'll spend the next two nights.

Accommodation

Resort (1 night)

Included Activities

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park

Coffee Plantation Tour - Coffee Tasting

Meals Included

Today explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Your leader will take you on a driving tour with plenty of hiking opportunities from brief hikes through lava tunnels to longer hikes across an actual crater. Later visit the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum to learn more about the history of volcanology. In the evening you’ll have the opportunity to see the glow of the lava lake in Kīlauea Caldera and Halema’uma’u Crater under the dark night sky.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Leave Hawaii today and take a one-hour flight to Kahului Airport in Maui. Once you've landed, drive to Lahaina where you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore and relax. Maui is an extremely popular tourist destination and can be quite busy at times. Considered one of the world's best islands by many publications over the years, Maui's beaches, surf and swimming spots are what you might imagine paradise to look like.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today is a free day to explore. There's the option to take a sunrise tour to Haleakala National Park. Depart very early and travel by bus to the summit of the dormant volcano of Haleakala. From a vantage point of 10,000 feet above sea level, watch the sunrise over the ocean before heading back to Lahaina for the afternoon.

If the group is interested, your leader may also organise a driving tour of the Road to Hana. This is a full day activity but there is a lot to see and do along the way. Think waterfalls, bamboo forests, lava tubes, and dense tropical rainforest coming down to meet the ocean at red, white and black sand beaches.

Alternatively, you may wish to take a whale watching tour (seasonal) or go snorkelling to see an abundance of fish, moray eels and even turtles.

Next trip departures

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip.
2. Full passport details are required at time of booking.
3. Luggage limits apply. See Trip Notes (What to Take) for information.
4. Please note that in North America, the cost of checked baggage usually is not included in the price of an airline ticket and is subject to additional payment at check-in. If you wish to check in luggage on the internal flights on this trip then you will need to pay for this on arrival at each airport. Each airline calculates fees differently, sometimes on the number of bags, sometimes by weight, however the fee is usually in the vicinity of US$25 per bag payable by credit card.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

Nina Henderson

This was a fantastic trip to see a lot of Hawaii. I really wanted to visit Hawaii but wasn't sure which island to visit so this trip was exactly what I needed. There is a lot of traveling involved in this trip, and a lot of waiting for planes but once you have arrived at the destination you are into the next activity/experience and the travel is forgotten.